LEISHMANIOSE VISCERAL CANINA EM SÃO PAULO: REVELANDO OS DESAFIOS DO DIAGNÓSTICO, TRATAMENTO E VIGILÂNCIA EM ÁREA URBANA NÃO ENDÊMICA

Abstract

Canine visceral leishmaniasis (CVL), caused by Leishmania infantum, is a zoonosis of high relevance to public health, especially due to the role of dogs as the main domestic reservoir. Objective: This study aimed to describe the epidemiological, clinical, and diagnostic aspects of CLL cases reported in the city of São Paulo, an urban area considered non-endemic. Methods: This was a retrospective cross-sectional study based on secondary data provided by the Zoonosis Control Center (CCZ), covering the period from 2019 to 2021. A total of 68 dogs with at least one positive laboratory test were included. The variables analyzed included demographic characteristics, clinical signs, diagnostic methods used, and therapeutic approaches adopted. The diagnosis followed the protocol recommended by the Brazilian Ministry of Health, using sequential serological tests — Dual Pathway Platform (DPP®) and Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) — and, in 88.1% of cases, complementary tests such as Indirect Immunofluorescence Assay (IFA), Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), cytology, and bone marrow aspiration. Results: During the study period, 76 cases of canine visceral leishmaniasis (CVL) were reported to the Zoonosis Control Center (CCZ), of which 68 were confirmed through laboratory tests, all considered imported from endemic municipalities. The average age of the affected dogs was 6.8 years, with mixed-breed dogs being the most represented (45.59%). The most frequent clinical manifestations included dermatological changes, weight loss, and lymphadenomegaly, although asymptomatic cases were also observed. Despite economic limitations, 53.45% of owners opted for treatment, highlighting a preference for therapeutic management over euthanasia. However, the absence of a structured post-treatment follow-up protocol hinders the evaluation of therapeutic efficacy and the possible recurrence of infection. Conclusion: These findings underscore the importance of strengthening surveillance and prevention measures, with emphasis on vector control through the use of insecticide-impregnated collars. Further research is essential to improve diagnostic and treatment protocols and support more effective control strategies for visceral leishmaniasis (VL) in non-endemic urban areas.

Keywords: Leishmania infantum; epidemiology; zoonotic disease; One Health; Vector-borne diseases.